Fielding coach T. Dilip shed light on the unique challenge in a video shared by the BCCI on social media. “One of the challenges we encounter in Dubai Stadium is the lights are slightly different. It’s more of a ring of fire which is in the dome basically rather than on the poles, which we usually come across,” he said.
File Photo: ANI
As India gears up for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, the team has been sharpening its fielding drills to cope with the unusual lighting conditions at the Dubai International Stadium. Unlike most venues where floodlights are mounted on towering poles, the ground features a roof-mounted system of high-intensity lights that create a distinctive “ring of fire.”
Fielding coach T. Dilip shed light on the unique challenge in a video shared by the BCCI on social media. “One of the challenges we encounter in Dubai Stadium is the lights are slightly different. It’s more of a ring of fire which is in the dome basically rather than on the poles, which we usually come across,” he said.
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The toughest test, he explained, comes when boundary fielders attempt to judge high catches against the glare. “The challenge in the ring of fire is especially on outfield boundary line catches. There is a tendency that you lose sight of the ball for a split second, especially when the ball is travelling through it or coming through it.”
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Dilip added that conditions in Dubai demand more than just clean catching technique. “It’s all about how players are switched on at that particular moment and how they respond to that particular ball which is very very important considering the humidity in Dubai and especially in T20 which is a very high-intense game,” he noted.
Having joined the Indian setup during Rahul Dravid’s coaching tenure, the Hyderabad-born specialist has been deeply involved in preparing players for such variables. He broke down the technical adjustments needed.
“And, another challenge is humidity and density. The depth and perception of high catches over a period, the drop becomes different compared to other places.
“We have been taught throughout our life (to) always watch the ball, and as soon as you don’t see the ball for a split second you tend to panic. So, what we try to do in practice sessions is to add variable practices. Then, slowly the players realise that even if you lose a split second in the (flood) light, you still have a lot of time.”
Alongside hand skills, Dilip emphasised the value of quick movement. “Another factor which differentiates on the ground on that particular day is the speed at which they (fielders) can reach the ball, which makes a lot of difference because they practice so hard for the hands to work out… and feet going near to the ball is also very important.”
With two wins from as many matches, India have already secured a place in the Super Four and will wrap up its group-stage campaign against Oman in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
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